52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

So I picked up this truck in New Mexico back in 2001 after deciding on doing a frame up restoration for the first time. I don't have much experience but I try to learn pretty quickly. I stripped down the bare frame and primered it before I realized that I didn't want to use it. I picked up a cheap 77 C10 donor truck with a great running suspension that my 454 would bolt right up to. It's been 12 yrs now, working on it off and on, more off than on. I still have a long ways to go.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Here is the 77 donor that I got from a great friend. Kind've wished I kept it to restore at some point.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

I sandblasted all the sheet metal and placed it on the 77 frame.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Looks like a good start.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Before I sandblasted.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

The 454 I got from a friend.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Right after I had it rebuilt in 2004.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Painted it Chevrolet blue.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Looks good, and like the Chevy blue

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

(April '09) Sandblasted the bottom of the cab and found some the typical rust spots.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

(April '09) Sprayed some primer on the bare metal on the bottom of the cab for the time being. Even though its been 4yrs now.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

(Apr '09) Sandblasted and primered the 77 frame where the cab lies.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

(Nov. '11) I started to rebuild the front suspension of the '77 frame. Here are some before pics.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Sandblasted and painted

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

More suspension work.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Subscribed. Nice build.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

How do the factory mounts from the 77 line up with the body?

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Thanks Av8tr33337.

I liked to know if I could be doing something better or doing something wrong.

Primed67, the front cab mounts line up perfectly, but I have the cab sitting on the frame, so I plan on bolting it directly to it. The rest of mounts, I will have to make. Unless someone knows a vendor making 52 to 77 mounts? I'm aware of the S10 conversions kits, but I'm sure they won't work, unless I cut them up.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Where you able to use the power steering from the 77? Thanks!

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Primed67, I haven't tried to mock up the steering yet.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Looks like a great project.
I also have a big block that was built in my early 20's and now I'm 46. Car is in the waiting mode.
Interesting build, you've got my attention.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Bomp, thanks! I hope I can weld the metal at least half as good as you can. Yeah can't wait to fire that 454!!

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Painting and putting on the motor mounts and installed the engine.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

My new rims waiting for some rubber.

Re: 52 pickup 77 frame 454bbc
 

Starting to cut out the drivers side rusty/bad cab sheet metal.